Our True Colors: Mixed Race Voices and Other Stories of Belonging
Our True Colors is a podcast about identity, belonging, and life in the in-between. We explore what it means to be mixed race, multiracial, multicultural, racially ambiguous — or to grow up across cultures, through adoption, or in any space where identity doesn’t fit neatly into a box.
What’s it like to feel like you fit everywhere yet belong nowhere, all at the same time? If you or someone you love has ever been called a racial riddle, an ethnic enigma, or a cultural conundrum, this show is for you.
Each season, host Dr. Shawna Gann — a business psychologist and storyteller — is joined by a new co-host who brings their own lens. Together with guests, they share candid conversations, family stories, and professional insights that remind us we don’t clock in and out of our identities.
At its heart, Our True Colors is about connection: creating a space where mixed, multicultural, and cross-cultural voices can be heard, where belonging is explored, and where “otherness” becomes something powerful to claim.
Our True Colors is an extension of True Culture Coaching & Consulting, Dr. Gann’s practice dedicated to building stronger, more inclusive workplace cultures. Learn more and connect at www.truecultureconsulting.com
Our True Colors: Mixed Race Voices and Other Stories of Belonging
Caught Between Worlds with Dr. Christopher Riddick
While Washington, DC is the city where he resides, Dr. Christopher Riddick
is a proud son of North Carolina and hails from the rural county of Gates. His upbringing was significant in shaping his identity and fuels many of his passions today. Dr. Riddick is intent on helping organizations truly exhibit what they frequently say but are often challenged to demonstrate: that people are their most valuable assets. Dr. Riddick is a devoted husband and father of three. He is a lover of music, bacon, and bourbon and enjoys quality time with friends when any or all three are present.
In this episode we focus on belonging...even within one's perceived cultural community. Dr. Riddick shares his experiences with trying to fit in when not seen as Black enough or when seen as too Black. He also talks with Yolandie and me about judgment associated with the perceived identity of one's significant other.
Here are some other resources to check about topics mentioned in this episode:
- Colorism and the Paper Bag Test
- Code-switching: 4 Forum voices on what it is – and why we need to talk about it
- Why dark-skinned black girls like me aren't getting married
If this is your first time with OTC, check out EPISODE 1: START HERE for more background on the show. Continue the conversation on Instagram and find Season 5 episodes on YouTube.
Our True Colors is powered by True Culture Coaching & Consulting. Head to our website to find out how True Culture Coaching and Consulting can support you and your organization, and subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter, The Culture Clinic, for more great content. You can find us at truecultureconsulting.com where you can also contact us to schedule a free consultation.
